Three High-Noon Hacks for Great Photos — Even in Harsh Light

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Here comes the sun … and there goes your great photograph. Taking pictures under bright, clear skies is definitely a challenge. That’s why the “golden hours
” — early morning or dusk time when the sun is low and the light is warm — are serious photography goals. But not every picture-worthy event or moment is planned around your lighting needs. Consider these tips your SPF; they’ll save your photos from those rays.

Tip #1: Find some shade

Photo by Jeff Sinon/Jeff Sinon Photography

Don’t throw shade, seek it out! Spots under tree cover or shielded by a building offer even, soft light that’s easy to work with. Take these black-eyed susans, for example, which look awesome against the weathered wood siding on the shady edge of the building.

Tip #2: Forget the color

Photo by Jeff Sinon/Jeff SInon Photography

Harsh shadows and harsh light? This is a job for black and white! This method will make the most of the cool contrasts, like shadows in fresh snow.

Tip #3: Blend the exposure

Photo by Jeff Sinon/Jeff Sinon Photography

Photographers seem to have a love it or hate it mentality when it comes to HDR. But this option, which allows you to capture detail in both the highlights and shadows, can be a life-saver. Case in point: Without HDR, you’d never be able to capture this whole bridge in focus during the middle of the day.

If you wait to whip out your camera on days when it's only cloudless-blue-sky perfect, you might be waiting for a while — not to mention missing out on some amazing shots, particularly when it comes to the most breathtaking nature or landscape pics.

Seems like just about everyone with an iPhone and an Instagram account is fascinated by photography these days. But the truth is, there’s a lot that goes into taking a great picture. There’s the composition, the lighting, the angle … and about a million other things that the pros spend years mastering. If you’re interested in really learning the craft, start with these ten mini-lessons.